Karen Slimick Arnpriester is a creative, passionate and adventuresome woman. She raised her two children, adores her seven grandchildren and is now a foster mom of two young ladies. She has been a self-taught graphic designer for twenty five years and started her own business twenty years ago. Her faith in God is strong and she believes that we are Christ’s hands, feet, arms and wallet. This translates into her involvement in youth ministries, local women’s shelter, street ministry, the elderly, as well as many other outreaches over the years. Her home has been available to single moms and their children, allowing them to get a fresh start.

ANESSIA’S QUEST is her first novel. The desire to write began two years ago as a hobby. She had an idea for a beginning and the end. The rest of the story flowed and took Karen on a journey. She cried and laughed as she followed the twists and turns of the characters. Once friends read the book, she was strongly encouraged to share her story with others.

RAIDER’S VENDETTA is Karen’s second novel. It will be released in October 2011. It is a psychological thriller between the main characters,Charley and Raider. Charley’s faith and ability to survive is challenged by
the rage of a shattered man.

Her third book, which addresses bullying, is in the works and should be released in 2012. The tentative title is HEY! LEADBOTTOM!

This author wants to take her reader to a place where they can evaluate their beliefs and who God is in their life. When asked why she limits herself to Christian fiction, she simply explains that it is where her heart is. If she commits her precious time to writing, it needs to be of value and have God’s ultimate purpose in mind. Bringing his children home to him. Karen welcomes God’s influence in her writing and prays that she is fulfilling His destiny for her life.

About the Book:

Anessia’s Quest follows the life of a woman born into dysfunction and neglect. The story takes you on her journey. A journey that begins with abandonment, abuse, and physical injury. Pagne (Pain) believes she is all alone, thrown away, but soon discovers that she is protected and guided by her guardian angel. A powerful relationship develops between this lost child and her loving protector that manifests as a unique method of communication.

Pagne encounters other broken people that become her family, friends and community. Her grace and compassion alter their destructive paths. She moves through her life unaware of the impact she creates, her purpose on Earth.

Her life is filled with tears, laughter, joy and heartbreak. She faces challenges that include ultimate betrayal, loss and shame. Challenges that are only bearable due to her trust and faith in heaven’s love and value for her. Love that is reinforced by her angel. She discovers the events that led to her mother’s indifference and neglect, and must decide how much grace she
can extend to a woman she has hated for most of her life. The ultimate test of forgiveness.

When she faces her death, Pagne discovers the true value and power of forgiveness and love. She is shown how her life created ripples that spread into waves of glorious influence. She was not an accident, she was placed on Earth with divine intent.

Q: Welcome to Beyond the Books, Karen. Can we start out by telling us whether you are published for the first time or are you multi-published?

I have one self-published book, Anessia’s Quest. My second book, Raider’s Vendetta, is currently being edited. I hope to have it available for readers in early November.

Q: When you were published for the first time, which route did you go – mainstream, small press, vanity published or self-published and why or how did you choose this route?

I almost signed a contract with a publisher/self publisher, but was concerned about the substantial fee they required and what I would get for my investment. I was lucky enough to speak to one of their current authors. The marketing assistance and royalty structure was not worth the fee they were asking for. You would have to sell thousands of books to regain your fee and they did not actively market your book. So it was all back on you, same as self-published. I found out about Createspace.com and decided it was a way to get the book out to readers while finding a traditional publisher. I was lucky enough to meet a wonderful agent who has the knowledge and experience to lead me through the process. My book has been submitted to multiple publishers, and we are now waiting.

Q: How long did it take you to get published once you signed the contract?

I am considered self-published and I do not have a contract, other than an agreement with my agent.

Q: How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and how did you celebrate?

When I got my proof copy, I cried. It felt like holding my baby for the first time. Instead of waiting nine months, it was a two-year gestation period. The family went to dinner, and I called or emailed everyone!

Q: What was the first thing you did as for as promotion when you were published for the first time?

I printed bookmarks and loaded my husband and myself up. Everywhere we went we handed out bookmarks. My husband is much better at selling copies than I am. I am finding out that promoting yourself takes practice.

Q: Since you’ve been published, how have you grown as a writer and now a published author?

The first book was for fun; I really didn’t think it would be published. I didn’t make notes about characters, locations, and as the story continued, I forgot how I had described things earlier, names of characters and places. When the editing started, I became aware of the inconsistencies and that there should have been more organization. The second book was much more thought out. Editing revealed that I still need more detailed notes, but much better than the first. I am sure that I will continue to grow with each book that I write.

Q: What has surprised or amazed you about the publishing industry as a whole?

It’s not really surprising, but the publishing industry presents the same challenges as finding a job. Employers want you to have experience before they hire you, but how do you get experience if no one hires you. I respect the training and education that writers invest in their craft, but I also think there is room for great stories that come from the untrained person. What was somewhat surprising was the strong opposing opinions regarding self-publishing and traditional publishing. Self-publishing is described as the KISS OF DEATH or a great way to build your reader base while trying to get published.

Q: What is the most rewarding thing about being a published author?

The opportunity to touch lives, a tangible part of me that will remain once I’m gone, and the joy you feel when someone shares how much they enjoyed your story. It is so exciting to discuss the characters and plot with them, as if we were talking about friends or family.

Q: Any final words for writers who dream of being published one day?

Don’t worry about how it will all play out, or if it’s good enough. Enjoy the experience of getting your creation written. Select key people to read your book, people that read your genre and will be honest with you. Revising and adjusting is much easier at the beginning. You don’t want to invest time and money trying to market your book if it is not ready.